Thermal Environmental Chambers for Universal Testing Machines
- christopherthomasb
- Aug 8
- 4 min read
Precision Temperature Simulation for Materials Testing Across All Industries
Universal Grip’s Thermal Environmental Chambers are engineered to provide controlled hot and cold test environments for tensile, compression, flexural, peel, shear, and other mechanical tests. Whether you’re evaluating the low-temperature brittleness of polymers or the high-temperature creep resistance of metals, these chambers ensure that your test results are accurate, repeatable, and compliant with international standards.
Unlike many OEM-specific chambers, our chambers are compatible with any tensile testing machine or universal testing machine—electromechanical or servo-hydraulic, new or legacy—from any manufacturer. In addition to our standard models, we design fully custom environmental chambers for specialized applications, dimensions, and temperature ranges.
Universal Compatibility for Environmental Chambers
Our chambers are machine-agnostic, meaning they can be paired with any brand of test frame without requiring permanent modification. This includes integration with machines from Instron®, MTS®, ZwickRoell®, Shimadzu®, and others including the Galdabini universal testing machine.
Key compatibility features:
Self-supported frame design — The chamber sits independently and does not rely on the load frame for structural support.
Custom insert shells & pull rods — We adapt the chamber interface to fit your specific grip or fixture configuration.
Removable wedge ports — Allows the use of different grip styles and sizes without removing the chamber.
Adjustable sliding base — The chamber can roll or slide up to ~600 mm for easy specimen loading and machine setup.
Rugged Stainless-Steel Construction
Every chamber is built from 2 mm stainless steel (grade 1.4301) for maximum corrosion resistance and structural stability. The polished and brushed finish makes cleaning and maintenance simple in both R&D labs and industrial production settings.
Design highlights:
Two-layer insulated wall construction for thermal stability.
Front door with four glass viewing panels for clear visibility into the test space.
Integrated glass-heating coils to prevent frosting during cryogenic operation.
Teflon outer guide tubes & stainless inner tubes for pull rods or extensometers.
Optional upgrades include internal lighting, anti-reflective glass, and extended access ports for large or nonstandard test setups.
Wide Temperature Range & Performance
Our standard chambers provide a temperature range of -80°C to +280°C, with optional high-heat configurations extending to +350°C or +500°C for advanced thermal studies. This makes them suitable for both cryogenic embrittlement testing and high-temperature creep/fatigue testing.
Performance capabilities:
Rapid heating — up to 15°C per minute from ambient to +80°C (without grips installed).
Energy-efficient operation — extremely low kWh consumption at stable setpoints.
Liquid nitrogen cooling — enables deep cryogenic testing with automated valve control.
Precision control — ±0.1°C stability via advanced PID controller.
Cooling requirements:
To reach -70°C: ~4 kg of liquid nitrogen.
To maintain -70°C: ~3 kg liquid nitrogen per hour.
Control Systems & Data Connectivity
Our chambers feature an external temperature controller with self-optimizing PID logic, delivering exceptional thermal stability for long-duration tests.
Options for data integration include:
RS232 or RS485 communication ports — For direct control from your materials testing software.
Analog I/O — For synchronizing with machine data acquisition systems.
High-accuracy PT100 sensor — Provides reliable temperature feedback under extreme test conditions.
Industries & Applications
Thermal environmental chambers are essential for industries where materials performance depends heavily on temperature. Common sectors include:
Aerospace & Defense — Composite and alloy testing per ASTM D3039, ASTM D6641, and ISO 14125 under hot/wet or cryogenic conditions.
Automotive — Elastomer, adhesive, and plastic part testing under ASTM D638, ASTM D412, ISO 527, and ISO 37 at service-relevant temperatures.
Energy & Power Generation — High-temperature creep testing of metals per ASTM E139, and thermal fatigue testing for turbine components.
Medical Devices — Polymer testing per ISO 10993 and ASTM F88 to ensure performance at body temperature and during sterilization cycles.
Construction Materials — Sealants, insulation, and polymeric building product testing under ASTM C518, ASTM C273, and ISO 834.
Electronics & Semiconductors — Thermal cycling per IEC 60068 and mechanical integrity testing of encapsulants and solder joints.
Standards Requiring Thermal Control
Many ASTM and ISO test methods specify that mechanical tests must be conducted at controlled temperatures to simulate service conditions. Some examples include:
ASTM D5379 — Shear testing of composites at hot/wet or cryogenic temperatures.
ASTM D638 / ISO 527 — Tensile properties of plastics, including high/low temp testing.
ASTM E21 — Elevated temperature tension tests for metals.
ASTM E139 — Creep testing of metals at high temperature.
ASTM D5229 — Moisture and thermal conditioning of polymer matrix composites.
ISO 75 — Determination of heat deflection temperature (HDT) for plastics.
By maintaining tight temperature tolerances during these tests, our chambers ensure compliance and data validity.
Custom-Built Chambers
While we offer standard sizes, most of our customers choose some level of customization to fit unique test requirements.
Available customizations include:
Nonstandard internal dimensions to fit oversized grips or fixtures.
Additional access ports for extensometers, thermocouples, or cameras.
Extended temperature ranges beyond standard specifications.
Removable wedge ports for rapid grip changes without chamber removal.
Our engineering team works directly with your lab staff to ensure that the chamber integrates seamlessly with your existing test equipment and workflows.
Why Choose Universal Grip Thermal Chambers?
Universal machine compatibility — Works with any brand, any model, old or new.
Precision engineering — ±0.1°C stability for consistent, repeatable results.
Durable stainless-steel construction — Built for decades of service.
Energy efficiency — Low operating costs for long-duration tests.
Full customization — Tailored solutions for unique applications.
Proven expertise — Over a decade specializing in grips, fixtures, and accessories for universal testing machines.
If your testing program demands reliable, precise, and fully integrated temperature control, Universal Grip’s Thermal Environmental Chambers provide the perfect balance of performance, flexibility, and durability.
Contact our engineering team today to discuss your application and configure the right chamber for your testing machine.
978-882-1480
Comments